Jacking mechanism



July 26, 1960 G. E. SUDEROW 2,945,557

' JACKING MECHANISM Filed May 8, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet-l INVENTOR Gpor q e E. ,sjwlezpa tu,

am wmyk am ATTORNEYS.

July 26, 1960 G. E. SUDERO W JACKING MECHANISM 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 8. 1958 mum n GeorgpE.S;de-2;ow, BY Z Z I; mu/g) g )6 ATTORNEYS.

G. E. SUDEROW 2,946,557

JACKING macumxsm July 26, 1960 s Sheets- Sheet 3 Filed May 8. 1958 INVENTOR:

Gpargp E. lSjuderpm KW 4M? glm July 26, 1960 G. E. SUDEROW JACKING MECHANISM Filed May 8, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 mvsmoa:

GporggE'. Slade-new,

ATTORNEYS.

July 26, 1960 G. E. SUDERQW 2,946,557

JACKING. MECHANISM Y Filed May 8, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 July 26, 1960 v s. E. SUDEROW JACKING MECHANISM v 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Ma}, 8, 1958 INVENTORZ Geozzgp E. SudemW,

ATTORNEYS. Q

United States Patent i lhong Corporation New York, N'Y a corporation of Delaware Filed' May 8; 1 958, Ser; No. 733,969

reclaims. (CL'254 -9-3) This inventiornrelates to mobilemarine platformsv and more particularly to improvements in a jacking mechanism for effecting relative vertical movement between a marine platform and a vertically extending? supporting leg thereforc I The system of erecting a marine'bottom supportedplatform over a body of water embodying alfloating platform arranged to receive a pluralityofverticalsupporfi ing legs whichcan hemmed-downwardlyrelative to the platform, after the latter has reached a marine" siteo'f operation, to. engage and become imbedded inth'e'" marine bottom, and to subsequently raise' the platform on" the embedded. legs to a desired level above the water' level is well known; For example, Patent No: 27751869 "issued January 1, 1957, to R. W." Pointer disclosessuchasystenr One of the. main advantages of this systemiis'th'at the platform, thus erected; can'b'e readily removed and"tr'ans-. ported to a new'rnarine' site of' operation; I I

In the systems heretoforetproposed, the aforesaid relativemovementbetween' the platform" and supportingiegs is effected by a jacking mechanism which" is satisfactory to temporarily retain the platform inits raisedoperating position. However; where OperatiOllSf areto be carried out over an extended period; additional meansmust b'e provided'to insure safemaintenance of th efplatforrn in itsoperating' position.

The present invention contemplates a" simplearrangement'for locking the jacking'mechanism"between the platform and supportinglegs in'stlcharri'anner as toinsure; safe and proper maintenance oftheplatform'in its elevated position on the supporting legs;

for positively preventing movement betweentsa-id sections in one vertical direction, when the pins are engaged eso as to insure that the pins will transit: substantially equal loads.

Another object of the present inventioniis the provision of ia'jacking mechanism of the type-described having improved means'for mounting the'lsame on: atplatform:

Still another:objectiof-theipresent invention'ris the provi sion of a jacking mechanism of the-type tiescrilzted em bodying a plurality of'horizontazlly movable pins and im- 2 provedmechanic'al meansfor locking the pins in engagement with avertical supporting leg.

A. further object ofithe' resent invention is the provision of a jacking mechanism of the'type described which" is simple but sturdy in construction; and economicaltomanufacturea'nd maintain. A

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent during the course of the follow-- ing detaileddescriptionand appended clai rns.

The invention may :best be" understood with reference to the accompanyingdrawings wherein an. illustrative embodiment is shown.

In the drawings: 7

Figure lis a front elevational view. of'a jacking: mechanism unit embo'dyingthe:principles of the present inven tion;

Figure 22 is a side elevational view'xof the. jacking mechanism unitshowing the same in operative" osition with respect toa marine platform and a vertical supporting leg; i

Figure 3 is" across-sectional view taken .along' the line 3-3 ofFigureZ; V t I Fighre"4*is a c'ross sectional'view taken along theline 4'-4-of-Figure l; I

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along theline S -5" of "Figure 1; V

Figure" 6' is a cross-sectional view taken along the" line s ts-of Figure 1 showing'thestrncture adjacent thereto;

Figure 7" isa cross se'ctional view, similar. to Figure Figure 8" is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 6'; takenalong theline8:'8*of Figllre 1;

Fi ures is a cross-sectionalview', similar to Figure 6; taken along the'liii =r9- ---9 of Figure'l;

Figure 10* is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 6, taken along the line 10 -1'0' oiFigure 1;

Figure 11' is a" cross sectio'nal view; similar to" Figured; taken along the line 1 1-=-11 of'Fi'gure l'; V Figure 12" is a cross-sectional view; similar to' Figure 6; taken along the linelz lz" otQFigure 1;v

Figure l3 -is-'a=- cross-sectional view, similar toFi ure 6; taken'along the line" IS -i3 of'Fi glire 1;;and'

Figure 14- is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper end" of the jacking rriechanism unit with parts; broken' away for purposes of clearer illustration;

Referring novvrnoreparticularly tothe drawings, there isshown a jacking mechanism generally indicated at lly which is" arranged' tobe mounted on a marine plat form, generally ir'rdicatedv at 12; for elfecting relative vet ti'cal movement ineitlier"direction with respect thereto, a vertical extending sn'pportingleg, generally indicated at 14; In general; the jacking mechanism. 10 is" arranged to be utilized'in' a'rnobile'marine cons'truction'sys't'ein of thetype" described in Pointer Patent 27 751869 issued January 1;. 1957; V

The present jacl'tfing' mechanism is, of" atype similar to that disclosed in my copending application Serial No. 523,323'fil'ed'Jilly'2o; I955, 'I '-'hus, iir'oper'at'ion, thejac'liing mechanism of-"the presentinvention" embodies two or more 'circumferentialiy spacedjackingmeclianism units: Since the nnitsare ef'identical construction, onl a. single unitlras' been disclosed intlie' drawings and will .be derscribed hereinafter: It will; of course, be understood that two or moreiof' such units" may be employed for eifecting ver'tical movelrfentof a' single supportinglegi'l l.

The construction of theplatform 12' is referat'ilv the same as the aforesaid-Pointer" patent. platform includes annpp'er deck- 16' anda lurality of vertical openings or wells 18* through which the" vertical In general; the

supporting legs 14 are arranged to extend. As disclosed in the Pointer patent, a marine construction system will utilize a plurality of such supporting legs each maintained in the well of the platform and a jacking mechanism utilizing two or more of the units hereinafter described is provided for each supporting leg to effect the proper vertical movement thereof with respect to the platorm.

The supporting leg 14 utilized in connection with the present jacking mechanism is preferably constructed of an elongated cylindrical caisson or tube 20 having a longitudinally extending jacking bar 22 secured to the exterior periphery thereof as by connecting plates 24 suitably welded to the bar 22 and the caisson 20. The jacking bar 22 has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 25 formed therein, each aperture preferably being of rectangular configuration. Again, it should be understood that for each of the jacking mechanism units utilized there will be an associated jackingbar provided on the supporting leg.

The jacking mechanism unit itself comprises a first pin carrying section 26 including a base portion 28 which is arranged to be mounted on the platform, a vertically disposed central portion 30 extending upward from the base portion and an upper head portion 32 formed on the upper end of the central portion 30. All these portions of the jacking mechanism section 28 may be of any suitable construction. As shown, they are preferably built up of structural members such as steel plates, angle irons and the like, rigidly secured together as by welding or the like.

The base portion of the jacking mechanism section 26 includes a main horizontally disposed plate 34 of generally rectangular configuration having a pair of transversely spaced extensions 36 projecting from one side thereof adjacent opposite ends of the plate (see Figures 11 and 12). A pair of vertically disposed plates 38 are welded at their upper ends to the undersurface of the plate 34 at positions disposed inwardly from each end thereof. The plate 34 and the plates 38 are strengthened in any suitable manner, as, for example, by means of a lower horizontal plate 40 rigidly secured between the plate 38 in a position spaced below the plate 34 and a plurality of vertical plates 41 rigidly interconnected, as by welding or the like, between the plates 34, 38 and 40. In addition, spaced vertical end plates 42 are welded to the exterior edges of the plates 38 and the lower edges of the plate 34 extending outwardly from the plates 38. Additional plates 44 are rigidly interconnected, as by welding or the like, between the plates 42 and the associated plates 34 and 38. The base portion 28 thus provides a pair of spaced legs defining a downwardly facing recess 46 at the lower end of the jacking mechanism section 26. The recess 46 is open at its bottom and extends horizontally through the lower end thereof from one side to the other, as best shown in Figures 1 and 3.

Extending upwardly from the central portion of the main horizontal plate 34 is a pair of transversely spaced vertical side plates 48, welded to the plate 34 and strengthened by any suitable means such as gusset plates 50 or the like. The plates 48 are preferably of trapezoidal configuration and opposite side edges of both plates have vertical end plates 52 rigidly secured thereto and to the associated edges of the plate 34 between the extensions 36 thereof. Rigidly secured to the inwardly disposed end plate 52 below the horizontal plate 34 is a pair of transversely spaced rigid hook members or claws 54 which together with the associated portion of the plate 52 define a recess 56 for receiving the jacking bar 22 of the supporting leg 12 (see Figure 12). 1

As best shown in Figures 1-4, the base 28 of the jacking mechanism section 26 is mounted on the deck 16 of the platform 12 in a position adjacent the well 18. To this end, a plurality of spaced rigid lugs 58 are secured to the upper surface of the platform deck to be received in corresponding openings 60 formed in a pad 62 of shock absorbing material, such as neoprene rubber or the like, as shown in Figure 3. Mounted on the pad 62 is a rigid, horizontal structure, generally indicated at 64. This structure is preferably made up of a plurality of plates welded together, such as a pair of horizontal rectangular plates 66 and a plurality of vertical plates 68 secured therebetween including opposed side plates 70. The side plates 70 are suitably apertured, as at 72, to register with corresponding apertures 74 formed in the lower end portions of the plates 33 of the base portion. Suitable bolts 76 extend within the registering holes 72 and 74 serve to secure the platform 74 to the base portion 28. Mounted on the structure 64 is a plurality of pads 78 of shock absorbing material, such as neoprene, rubber or the like, having plates 80 interposed therebetween. The upper surface of pad 78 is arranged to engage the under-surface of a bight portion 82 of an inverted U-shaped strap. The opposite edges of the strap bight portion are rigid with the upper end of vertical legs 84, the lower ends of which are rigidly anchored to the platform 12, by any suitable means such as bolts 85.

The central portion of the jacking mechanism unit is made up of a rectangular box construction and includes a pair of transversely spaced vertical side plates 86 having their lower ends welded or otherwise secured to the upper ends of the plates 48 of the base portion 28. Secured between the lower portion of the plates 86 between the opposite edges thereof is a pair of relatively thick vertical lower end plates 88 each having a vertically elongated slot 90 formed therein. As shown in Figure 10, a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed, rectangular gusset plates 92 are rigidly secured between each side of the end plates 88 and the associated side plate 86.

Secured between the outer edges of the side plates 86 is an upper end plate 94 having its lower edge welded to the upper edge of the associated lower end plate 88. An opposite upper end plate 96 is secured between the inner edges of the upper portion of the plates 86 with its lower edge secured to the upper edge of the other lower end plate 88. The upper edge of the plate 94 extends to the upper end of the jacking mechanism unit and has a rectangular aperture 98 formed therein. A corresponding relatively thick plate 100 is mounted on the upper edge of end plate 96 and extends beyond the side edges there of. A horizontally extending rectangular aperture 102 is formed in the central portion of the plate 100 in alignment with the aperture 98. Suitable horizontal brace plates 104 are rigidly secured between the vertical side plates 86 and the vertical end plates 88, 94, 96 and 100.

The exterior surface of the plates 86, 88, 94 and 96 form a rectangular column upon which a second pin carrying section 106 of hollow rectangular box-like structure is mounted for vertical sliding movement. The section 106 includes a pair of vertical side plates 108 having an outer end plate 110 rigidly secured between the outer edges thereof and a relatively thick inner end plate 112 rigidly secured between the opposite lower edges thereof. The plates 110 and 112 have aligned rectangular apertures 114 and 116 formed therein in alignment with the slots 90 formed in the plates 88 of the central portion of the jacking mechanism section 26. In addition, a central vertical end plate 118 is secured between the edges of the plates side 108 above the plate 114 and an upper end plate '120 is secured above the plate 118 between the edges of the plates 108 to complete the boxlike configuration of the vertical sliding section 106. Preferably, the interior surface of the plates 108, 110, 114, 118 and 120 have provided thereon bearing elements 122 of Phosphor bronze or the like for engaging the exterior surface of the central portion of the jacking mechanism section 28.

In order to effect the vertical sliding movement of the section 106 relative to the central portion ofthe jacking mechanism section 26, there is provided a pain of lower single acting hydraulic piston and cylinder units 124 disposed on opposite sides of the central portion of the section. Each hydraulic piston and cylinder unit 124? includes a cylinder 126 having its lower end provided with a rounded bearing element 128 for engagement within arecessed bearing plate 130, rigidly-secured'to the upper surface ofthe plate 34 adjacent the associated extension 36 thereof. The central portionof the cylinder 126 has a cylindrical retaining-member 132* suitably secured thereto, thelatter having a pair of vertically spaced apertured brackets 134 extending horizontally therefrom. A pair of cooperating apertured brackets 136 r are rigidly secured to the, associatedplates 48 of the base portion and the brackets134-and- 136 aredetachably secured by any suitable means; such as bolts137.

Each hydraulic piston and cylinder unit 124'. also includes theusualpiston (not shown) slidably mounted in the cylinder 126 andhaving arigidlyconnected pistonrod 138 extended therefrom upwardly through the cylinder. The upper'end'of each piston rod 138 is formed with a convex surface to-fit-within a recess formed'in a bearing plate .140 secured'to the lower surfaceof a lower horizontal plate 142 extending outwardly fromthe end of the lower edge-of the associated'plate 108; Rigidly secured to each plate 108 above the associated plate 142 is an upper horizontalplate 144 andan intermediate plate146, all of-theplates 142, 144 and 146 being rigidly interconnected; by suitable plates 148 extending verti'cally therebetween; v

Rigidlysecured to the upper surface of plate 144 is a pairof; recessed bearing plates 150 arranged to receive the convex lower ends 152 of a pair of cylinders 154' of a pair ofupper hydraulic piston and cylinder-units 156. As-before, the cylinder 154 has a-cylindrical retaining member" 158' suitably secured thereto; 7 A pair of' vertically spacedbrackets 160 extend horizontally from the retaining members 158 and-cooperate with a pairof vertically spaced brackets: 162 rigidly'secured; tothe associated end plate 108 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom. The brackets 160 and162 are-suitably apertured to receive appropriate securing elements, such as bolts 16;4"or the like.

In a like manner, each hydraulic piston'and cylinder unit 156 includes the usual piston (not shown) slidably mounted within the cylinder 154 having apistonrod 166 rigidly secured thereto extending upwardly through the cylinder. The upper'end'of each piston rod is-rounded to' seat within a recess of a bearing plate 168 rigidly secured to the under surface of a horizontal plate 170 rigidly secured to the associate vertical side plate 86extending horizontally outwardly'therefrom. The plates 170 together with similar upper plates 172; intermediate plates174, plate 100 and the associated'portionsof the sideplates 86 and end plate 84 form;theheadportion-SZ of, the jacking mechanism section'26.

Mounted forhorizontal'movernent within the openings 98' and 102in the headportion ofthe SectiOn-isanupper jacking bar or pin assembly 178. A lower jacking bar or, pin assembly 180 iscarried by the lower end of the vertical sliding section 106 for horizontal movement between the apertures 114 and 116 formedtherein'and the slots 90'formed inthe central portion of the jacking mechanism section 26. In general, the assemblies 178 and'180 are ofsubstantially identical construction so that the description ofone should sufliceto give a clearunderstanding of both. V V

As shown in Figure 5, the assembly 180'includes a horizontally disposed .pin 182 which is preferablyof rectangplar configuration in cross-section: Thepin 182 may beof solid construction orof plates welded together to form a rigid, hollow construction. The pin-182 has its inner end as reduced :at 184101 entry withinan aperture 25' in a jacking bar 22 of the supporting leg and a: pair ofhorizontally spaced vertically. ex-tending:bars

186 r are; rigidly: secured tothe. outer end. surface. thereon: A connecting plate 188 is. rigidly secured totheiouter surfacesv of the bars 186' so as. toform a socket 190: on theend of the-pin 182' Plate 188: has'a U-shaped= slot 192rformedinits upperendz. The-socket 190 and: the slot 192'arearranged to detachably'receive a double actinghydraulic piston and cylinder unit 194; The unit includes. the usual; cylinder' 196 having a. conventional piston (not shown) slidablymountedtherein. A piston rod198- is rigidly secured to'the piston and extendsfrom thecylinder towardthe outer end andhasiits; outer endprovided. with an angular recess 200 arranged to seat within the slot 192..

The piston and cylinder unit 194is. carried by a housing 202 rigidly-securedto. the outer surface of theassociate. plate: 110.. The housing 2021 includesapair of horizontally. spaced side; plates. 204 interconnected by; a pair of verticallyspaced-plates 206;. Acover platezlls-is detachably secured; as by bolts 210-or the. like,.to. suitablezfianges 212 formedon the. outer edges oftheplates 204 and 206. The central'portion of the cover plate 208 is apertured; asat 214,,to-receive; the cylinder-196 of the unit 194. As: best shown in Figure: 5, the upper. and; lower plates of the, housing 202 have spaced. inclined notches 216' formed therein for receiving a pair of re.- movable wedge elements 218-'when the associated pin 182:is inits fully extended-position to' thereby lock the same in such position;

The assembly. 180 further. includes a pain of transversely spaced hooked shaped. elements or claws 220 similar-to claws 54' which together define a rec6ss'222- forreceivingthe jacking bar 22. Preferably, bearing elements' 22.4. of Phosphor bronze or the like are? provided on theinterior surface of the. recess 222. for engaging the exterior surface of-thejackinglbar;

'As, stated above; the uppen loeking'pinassembly: 178 is'similar-injconstructionto the-.assembly 180rand in generalincludes a bolt:or-,pin 226 movable horizontally by a pistonzandscylinder unit 228; In-additionclaws-ZSU define'ai recess. 232: and: are provided for receiving the jackingbar-ZZ.

' Operation In operation; each jacking mecl'lanisrrrunit' ismounted on .the platform" 12 byfirst' positioning thepad 62 into registering engagementwith' thelugs 58; Next, the rigid structure, 64 is. moved laterally above the pad-62 together with the upper pads/78 and plates The inverted U shapedstrap'isthen secured inv positionand, finally, the jacking mechanism unit itself. is moved into-position so that the structure 6.4and pads 78*are disposed withiuthe recess'46' and-between the lower legs of the base portion. The aperturesi72 in therigid structure 64 and'theaper tures 74in .the' plates 38 of the base portion are properly alignedand' the bolts 76' are secured therein: v

As statedabove, usually twojackingmechanism units are utilized: to effecttlie vertical movement ofieach supporting leg .14.within the'well 18 relative to-tlie platform 12'. Since the operation of each jacking mechanism unit is. identical, a description of'a single unit should sufitce to: give a clear understandingof the entire'operation, It will be understood that-after the unit has been mounted on the platform; as indicated above, the supportingleg is lowered, as by a crane; orthe'like, downwardly into the associated well 18.- Jnth'is'regard, the jackingbar 22 of the supporting; leg is" fed-within-the recesses 232; 222, and S6 formedby theclaws2'3 0} 220, and 54 of" the jacking mechanism unit; The engagement" of the barwithin the-recess permitslimiteddateral movement of the supportingleg with; respect to'th e plafi form but effectively prevents rotational" movemenn of the supporting leg aboutits longitudinal axis relativeto the platform.

Initially, both the upperpin--22'6 and lower pin'l fifi are engaged within apertures within'thejacking bar 22-adjacent the lower end thereof so as to retain the supporting leg in an elevated transport position above the platform. In this position, the platform is transported, as by a suitable towing vessel or the like, to a marine site where operations are to be carried on. It will be understood that suitable controls may be provided for actuating the hydraulic and cylinder units 194 and 228 of the pin assemblies 180 and 178 respectively and the lower and upper units 124 and 156 such as disclosed in the aforesaid application Serial No. 523,323. In addition, the sequence in which the various hydraulic piston and cylinder units are actuated to effect the desired relative movement between the supporting leg and platform is fully disclosed in the aforesaid application to which reference may be had if necessary.

Briefly, it will be noted that when the platform is floating on the surface of the water above the marine site, the supporting legs are retained in an elevated position by the jack pins of the jacking mechanism and the weight of the supporting leg is transmitted by the pins to the base portion 28 and from the base portion to the platform 12 through the pad 62. By suitably actuating the various hydraulic piston and cylinder units, the supporting leg is lowered through the well 18 of the platform until the lower end of the supporting leg engages the marine bottom. Subsequent downward movement of the supporting leg with respect to the platform will effect a transfer of the weight so that after the supporting leg has reached a firm foundation in the marine bottom it serves to support the platform through the pins of the jacking mech anism unit. When the platform is supported from the embedded supporting legs, the platform is in effect suspended from the base portion of the jacking mechanism unit through the rigid structure 64, pads 78, and the horizontal plate 82 of the U-shaped strap rigidly secured to the platform 12. It will be understood that continuing the relative downward movement of the supporting leg with respect to the platform has the effect of raising the platform above the surface of the water after the supporting legs have reached a firm foundation in the marine bottom. When the platform has reached a desirable level above the surface of the water the desired operations can be carried on. In such condition, the platform is suitable for many purposes as, for example, off-shore oil well drilling, radar stations, airdromes and the like.

When the platform is in its elevated operative position, the lower pin 182 is disposed in its engaged position within an aperture 25 cf the jacking bar 22. The pin is locked into its extended position by insertion of wedges 218 into the aligned notches 216, as shown in Figure 5. It will be noted that the forward surface of the wedges 218 engage the outer surface of the pin 182 so as to prevent withdrawal of the same. In this condition, the associated hydraulic piston and cylinder unit 194 can be removed by loosening the bolts 210 and lifting the unit together with the cover 208 upwardly so as to move the end of the piston rod 198 out of the slot 192.

With the lower pin 182 in locked extended position it will be noted that the weight of the platform is suspended from the supporting leg through the lower pin 182, the upper hydraulic piston and cylinder units 156, the head portion, central portion and base portion of the section 26, the rigid structure 64, pads 78 and the U- shaped strap. In order to lock the sliding section 106 to the central portion of the section 26 so as to permit deactivation and removal, if desired, of the hydraulic piston and cylinder units 156, there is provided a plurality of shim plates 234 of various thicknesses arranged to be disposed between the upper surface of the plate 120 and the lower surface of the plate 100. It will be understood that the spacing between the apertures 25 in the jacking bar is fixed and therefore a suitable number of shim plates are utilized which will enable the upper pin to contact the wall of the jacking bar defining the lower end of the aperture in which the upper pin is received.

As best shown in Figures 7 and 14, the shims 234 are generally of L-shaped configuration and include a leg 236 arranged to extend around one end of the central portion of the section 26. The leg 236 of each shim is notched, as at 238, and corresponding apertures 240 are formed in the plates 170, 172 and 174 of the head portion of the jacking mechanism section. In addition, U- shaped supporting members 242 and 244 are rigidly secured to the plate and plate 108 to provide recesses in alignment with the aforesaid apertures. A locking bar 246 is arranged to be extended through the recesses and apertures so as to maintain the shims in the proper position, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 14.

It will be seen that after the shims have been positioned as indicated above both the upper and lower pins transmit a portion of the load of the platform to the supporting leg and the entire jacking mechanism unit is rigidly maintained together. Of course, the upper pin is wedged into its extended position by utilizing additional wedges 218 in the manner described above in connection with the lower pin assembly 180.

It will be understood that with the jacking mechanism M units providing a rigid connection between the supporting legs and the platform, the latter may be utilized as a relatively permanent installation for an extended period of time without the necessity of further or auxiliary securing means.

When operations have been completed the above procedure is carried out in reverse so that the pins are unlocked and made to operate by the respective hydraulic piston and cylinder units and the section 106 is made to move vertically with respect to the main body of the unit by operation of the units 124 and 156. In this manner the platform is again lowered with respect to the supporting legs onto the surface of the Water and the supporting legs are subsequently pulled out of their embedded condition in the marine bottom to an elevated transport position with respect to the floating platform.

It thus will be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing specific embodiment has been shown and described only for the purpose of illustrating the principles of this invention and is subject to extensive change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A jacking mechanism for selectively effecting or restraining substantially vertical relative movement selectively in either direction between a platform-like body and at least one substantially upright body-supporting leg mounted on the body for substantially vertical movement relative thereto comprising a first section having a generally upright column portion, a second section mounted in surrounding relation on the column portion of said first section for substantially vertical sliding movement thereon, said column portion having a vertically elongated opening extending therethrough, a first horizontal pin carried by said first section for horizontal reciprocating movement relative thereto between extended and retracted positions, a second horizontal pin carried by said second section for horizontal reciprocating movement relative thereto between extended and retracted positions, said second pin extending through said opening, power means for selectively effecting the horizontal reciprocating movement of said pins, and power means for selectively effecting a vertical sliding movement in either direction of said second section on said first section portion.

2. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said first section includes a head portion rigid with the upper end of said column portion, said head portion receiving one of said pins.

3. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 1 where a 9 V in said second section inclu es a pair of opposed outwardly extending: rigid. portions, said first, section having, corresponding upper and lower pairs of rigid portions, anda single acting fluid pressure. operated cylinder and piston unit between each rigid portion, of said second' section and the corresponding portion of each upper and lower pair of said first section.

4. Ajacking mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said first section includes a base portion rigid with the lower end of said column portion, said base portion having means thereon for mounting said first section on a platform.

5. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said base portion includes a pair of transversely spaced depending legs, and wherein said platform mounting means comprises a rigid horizontal structure having shock absorbing pad means on the opposite horizontal surfaces thereof, an inverted U-shaped strap embracing said horizontal structure and pad means arranged to be rigidly secured to the platform, and means detachably securing said rigid structure to the depending legs of said base portion.

6. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said power means for effecting movement of said pins comprises a fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder unit detachably connected to each pin for moving the same between said extended and retracted positions and removable wedge means acting between each pin and the associated section for locking said pin in its extended position to thereby permit detachment of the associated piston and cylinder unit.

7. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 6 wherein each unit includes a cylinder having a piston rod extending outwardly therefrom, means removably mounting each cylinder on its associated section in longitudinal alignment with its associated pin, means removably connecting each piston rod and associated pin in e'nd-to-end alignment, and surface means rigid with each section spaced longitudinally from the rod connected end of the associated pin when the latter is in its extended position for engaging one surface of said wedge means when the opposite surface'of the latter is engaged with said associated pin end.

8. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein shim means is provided for insertion between said sections for preventing relative movement'of the latter in one direction out of a supporting position in which said pins transmit substantially equal loads.

9. In an apparatus of the type described including a platform-like body and a jacking mechanism for selectively effecting or restraining substantially vertical relative movement selectively in either direction bet-ween said body and at least one substantially upright body-supporting leg mounted on said body for substantially vertical movement relative thereto, the improvement comprising means for mounting said jacking mechanism on said platform, said means including a rigid horizontal structure having shock absorbing pad means disposed above and below the same, an inverted 'U-shape strap having a bight portion overlying the shock absorbing means above said structure and spaced legs extending downwardly therefrom for rigid securement to said platform, said jacking mechanism including spaced depending legs for rigid detachable securement to said structure.

10. A jacking mechanism for selectively effecting or restraining substantially vertical relative movement selec tively in either direction between a platform-like body and at least one substantially upright body-supporting leg mounted on the body for substantially vertical movement relative thereto comprising a pair of sections mounted for relative vertical movement in either direction with respect to each other, power means for effecting relative movement in either direction between said sections, a pin -mounted on each section for horizontal reciprocating movement between extended and retracted positions, a

fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder unit detach ably connected to each pin formovingthesame between extended andiretracted positions, and removable wedge means acting betweeneach pin and the'associated;seetion for lockingsaid pin in its extended-position to thereb -permit detachment'of the associatedpiston-and cylindenunit;

11. In a jacking mechanism of the type described, the combination comprising a jacking section having a horizontal pin slidably mounted therein for horizontal reciprocating movement between extended and retracted positions, a fluid pressure operated unit for effecting movement of said pin between said extended and retracted positions, said unit including a cylinder having a piston rod extending outwardly therefrom, means removably mounting said cylinder on said section in longitudinal alignment with said pin, means removably connecting said piston rod and said pin in end-toend alignment, and surface means rigid with said section spaced longitudinally from the rod connected end of said pin when the latter is in its extended position for engaging one surface of a wedge when the opposite surface of the latter is engaged with said pin end.

' 12. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 11 wherein said means removably connecting said piston rod and said pin comprises a plate rigidly secured to said pin end in spaced relation thereto, said plate having a slot formed therein, said piston rod end having an annular groove 7 formed therein defining a portion of reduced diameter arranged to fit within said slot.

13. A jacking mechanism for selectively effecting or restraining substantially vertical relative movement selectively in either direction between a platform-like body and at least one substantially upright body-supporting leg mounted on the body for substantially vertical movement relative thereto comprising a pair of jacking sections mounted for relative vertical movement towardand away from each other, a leg engaging pin mounted on each section for horizontal reciprocating movement between extended and retracted positions, removable power means for effecting relative movement of said sections toward and away from each other, and shim means insertable between said sections for preventing movement of said sections toward each other out of a supporting position in which said pins transmit substantially equal loads whereby said power means can be removed.

14. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 13 wherein said shim means comprises a series of fiat L-shaped plates of varying thickness.

15. A jacking mechanism as defined in claim 14 wherein each of said L-shaped plates includes a locking element receiving cut-out and means on said sections for receiving a locking element and retaining the same in said plate cut out.

16. A jacking mechanism for selectively effecting or restraining substantially vertical movement selectively in either direction between a platform-like body and at least one substantially upright, body-supporting leg mounted on the body for substantially vertical movement relative thereto comprising a first jacking section, means detachably mounting said section on the upper surface of the body, said mounting means including shock absorbing pad means for absorbing shocks incident to vertical forces applied to said section in either direction, a second jacking section mounted on said first section for vertical movement in either direction with respect there to, a pin slidably mounted on each section for horizontal reciprocating movement between extended and retracted positions, a fluid pressure operated cylinder and piston unit for reciprocating each pin, each unit including a cylinder removably fixed to the associated section and a piston rod detachably connected in end-to-end longitudinal alignment with the associated pin, wedge means for locking each pin in an extended position to permit removal of the associated unit engageable between each rod connected pin end and spaced surface means rigid with the 1 1 1 2 associated section, power means removably secured be- References Cited in the fileof this patent tween'said sections for effecting relative movement therebetween in either direction, and shim means for insertion UNITED STATES PATENTS between said sections for preventing relative movement ,77 ,869 Pomter Jan. 1, 1957 of the latter in one direction out of a supporting position 5 2,822,670 Sl1dcrow Feb. 11, 1958 in which said pins transmit substantially equal loads. 2,858,105 Lucas Oct. 28, 1958 

